Women's International

Women’s World Cup Team of the Weekend: Red Roses duo headline XV whilst Canada star scores six tries

by
Charlie Elliott
25 August 2025

The opening weekend of the Women’s Rugby World Cup delivered high drama, record-breaking scores, and unforgettable moments.

England set the tone with a dominant 69-7 win over the United States in front of a record 42,723 fans, while Australia ran riot against Samoa, scoring 11 tries in a 73-0 victory, their biggest World Cup margin ever. Canada impressed in York as Julia Schell ran in six second-half tries to help her side defeat Fiji 65-7.

Defending champions New Zealand overcame a spirited Spain side 54-8, while Ireland and France started strongly with 42-14 and 24-0 wins over Japan and Italy, respectively.

Here is Charlie Elliott’s Team of the Week from the action.

15. Ellie Kildunne (England)

Electric from the first touch, Kildunne shaped England’s 69-7 win over the USA with both tries and assists.

Linking with Abby Dow for her opener, she then scooped up Jess Breach’s grubber to dot down again.

Beyond scoring, her creativity shone as she set up Breach twice, combining pace, control, and instinct to dictate the backline’s rhythm.

14. Francesca McGhie (Scotland)

Within a minute of kick-off, Scotland felt McGhie’s explosive pace.

Her early try was just the start of a hat-trick that propelled her team to a 38-8 victory over Wales.

Every run carried danger, and her finishing was clinical, setting the tone for her side and lifting teammates around her.

13. Aphiwe Ngwevu (South Africa)

At the heart of South Africa’s 66-6 dismantling of Brazil, Ngwevu was everywhere: tackling, carrying, creating.

Her attacking instincts and defensive solidity culminated in a beautifully taken try, securing Player of the Match honours.

A complete centre, she was pivotal in every moment.

12. Cecilia Smith (Australia)

Debut nerves were nowhere to be seen for Smith.

She carved through Samoa’s defence with intelligent footwork and carried strongly before finishing smartly for the first try of the second half, helping Australia dominate 73-0.

A statement performance for a first outing on the big stage.

11. Desiree Miller (Australia)

The wing was Miller’s domain.

Her speed and agility made her unstoppable, as she scored a first-half hat-trick and added another after the break.

Against Samoa, her finishing was a constant threat, highlighting why she is regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in the game.

10. Julia Schell (Canada)

Canada’s 65-7 win over Fiji was defined by Schell’s brilliance.

Six tries in 21 minutes, including a five-minute hat-trick, made her performance historic.

One moment, fending off two defenders on the 10m line, perfectly captured her blend of power, pace, and precision.

Even without that moment, scoring six tries in one match is so obscene that she has to be in this squad.

9. Nadine Roos (South Africa)

From the opening whistle, Roos set the tempo for South Africa. Her try inside two minutes sparked the team, and her deft chip release allowed Hele to score.

Intelligent, creative, and dangerous, she shaped the 66-6 win from start to finish.

1. Sanelisiwe Charlie (South Africa)

Scrum dominance was Charlie’s calling card. Time and again in South Africa’s 66–6 victory over Brazil, she overpowered opponents, anchoring the pack and asserting physical control.

Every set piece bore her mark.

2. Katalina Amosa (Australia)

Quietly commanding, Amosa’s work around the rucks and lineouts underpinned Australia’s 73-0 victory.

She combined physicality with steady presence, ensuring the pack flowed efficiently and maximising opportunities for attack.

3. Maud Muir (England)

A wrecking ball in the tight and relentless in open play, Muir powered over for England’s third try and wreaked havoc on the USA’s defence.

England’s victory bore the imprint of her strength and tireless effort.

4. Monica Castelo (Spain)

Despite a 54-8 defeat to New Zealand, Castelo’s effort was monumental.

Twenty-two tackles highlighted her defensive grit, and her persistence ensured Spain were rewarded with a late try, a testament to her resilience.

5. Piper Duck (Australia)

Every ruck, every tackle, Duck was there.

Her work rate and quick hands in open play stood out, allowing her to slot seamlessly into the second row for this team.

Against Samoa, she embodied relentless energy and commitment.

Deployed as a blindside flanker, her position is slightly altered to fit her into this team.

6. Jorja Miller (New Zealand)

Scoring twice early, Miller sliced through Spain’s defensive line with the finesse and vision of a player fresh from a stellar Sevens season.

The 54-8 win showcased her ability to translate speed and agility into decisive action in 15s rugby.

Another slightly moved to fit in, she played openside in her 40-minute cameo, which was enough to earn her a spot in this team.

7. Aseza Hele (South Africa)

Hele ran plenty, broke through the defence on several occasions, offloaded well, and scored a hat-trick by the 43rd minute.

Her commanding performance set the tone for South Africa’s 66-6 demolition of Brazil, demonstrating power, skill, and awareness in the No.8 role (although she is at seven in this team).